Foreigners Law

Foreigners of Turkish Origin Working in Türkiye: 10 Conditions (2025 Updated Guide) Note: This does not mean “citizens of certain countries can work in Türkiye without a permit.” The scope is limited to communities to be designated by Presidential decision and to individuals who satisfy all of the conditions below. On 10 October 2025, the Official Gazette (Issue No. 33043) published the “Regulation Amending the Regulation on the Implementation of the Law on Allowing Foreigners of Turkish Origin to Freely Perform Their Professions and Arts in Türkiye and to be Employed in Public or Private Institutions, Organizations or Workplaces” (Decision No. 10476).The amendment defines the procedure for determining “Turkish origin” and sets out that foreigners of Turkish origin may be allowed to work in Türkiye only if certain conditions are jointly met. What Has Changed? Quick Summary Determination of Turkish Origin: Which communities qualify as “foreigners of Turkish origin” will be designated by a Presidential decision (new Art. 2/A). Conditions Listed One by One: Art. 3 has been rewritten to require ten conditions to be fulfilled together. Otherwise, permission is not granted. Entry Into Force: The amendment entered into force on the date of publication. Who Is Covered? The Regulation provides that matters concerning which communities shall be considered “foreigners of Turkish origin” will be determined by Presidential decision (Art. 2/A). Therefore, whether you fall within the scope must be proven in line with the upcoming Presidential decision and the evidentiary requirements it sets. Ten Conditions Required to Be Allowed to Work (All Must Be Met) All of the following conditions must be satisfied together (Art. 3). We’ve added a brief practical example to each: Residence PermitYou must hold a valid residence permit issued by the Ministry of Interior.Example: A short-term residence card holder may start the process once the other conditions are met. Special Legal QualificationsAny profession-specific legal requirements must be proven with official documents issued by Turkish authorities.Example: For medical practice, submit documents required under Ministry of Health legislation. Diploma EquivalencyYour foreign diploma/degree must have equivalency approval from the competent Turkish authority.Example: An electrical engineering diploma requires a YÖK/competent-authority equivalency certificate. No Security ObjectionThere must be no security-related impediment to your practicing the profession.Example: No adverse record in the security screening applied during the process. Registration in Special Registers for ForeignersYou must document that a population record has been established in the special registers opened for foreigners.Example: Providing proof that your foreigner registry record was created after residence is granted. Membership in Professional Body (If Mandatory)If your profession legally requires chamber/association membership, you must document such membership.Example: Dentists registering with the relevant professional chamber where required. Equivalency for Mastery/Journeyman-type CertificatesIf you hold mastery/journeyman/skills certificates issued abroad, they must have equivalency granted in Türkiye.Example: A mastery certificate recognized by the Ministry of National Education or the relevant authority. Belonging to a Community of Turkish OriginYou must belong to a community of Turkish origin designated by Presidential decision.Example: Proving—per the decision’s evidentiary rules—that you belong to a listed community. Inability to Practice in Country of Nationality + Necessity to Live in TürkiyeDue to reasons beyond your control, you cannot practice your profession/art in your country of nationality and you must continue your life in Türkiye.Example: A professional unable to practice due to conflicts in their country and residing in Türkiye. Ethnic–Cultural Identity Different from the Country’s MajorityYou must have an ethnic and cultural identity different from the overwhelming majority in your country of nationality.Example: Belonging to a minority community of Turkish origin in your country. Important: The Regulation explicitly states that “these matters must occur together.” A residence permit or an equivalency alone is not sufficient. Not “Working Without a Permit,” but Conditional Permission The text provides that, for professions/occupations restricted to Turkish citizens or requiring Turkish citizenship, permission may be granted only if the conditions above are jointly fulfilled. There is no automatic, blanket right to “work without a permit.” For foreigners not covered by this amendment, you can find the work permit application, requirements, and process in our Work Permit in Türkiye guide. Application Roadmap Check your residence status (valid residence permit). Complete profession-specific legal qualifications and obtain equivalency where required. Document your registration in the foreigners’ special register and, if applicable, membership in the relevant professional body. Ensure you meet the requirements to be set in the Presidential decision on communities of Turkish origin. Complete screenings showing no security impediment; then proceed to apply to the competent authority for permission. Conclusion The amendment enables individuals with “foreigner of Turkish origin” status to work in certain professions and jobs in Türkiye; however, this is not a general exemption—it is a conditional permission system. The process depends on (i) the Presidential decision identifying communities of Turkish origin and (ii) the fulfilment of all ten conditions listed above. Advisory As LGA Law Firm, we prepare a document checklist, equivalency & application strategy, and profession-specific compliance plan tailored to your case. Contact us for details.   Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 1) Which countries are included?The Regulation does not list countries. It is based on communities of Turkish origin, which will be designated by Presidential decision. 2) Has the list been published?The Regulation lays down the procedure: communities are to be designated by decision. The list and evidentiary method will become clear once the decision is published. 3) Which professions does this apply to?It applies to professions/arts/jobs that laws reserve to Turkish citizens or require Turkish citizenship—provided all ten conditions are met. 4) How are foreign diplomas/skills certificates used?Equivalency in Türkiye is mandatory for diplomas and mastery/journeyman-type certificates (Art. 3(3) and Art. 3(7)). 5) Is membership in a professional chamber mandatory?It depends on the profession. If the legislation requires chamber/association membership, it must be documented (Art. 3(6)). 6) When did it enter into force?On 10 October 2025, the date of publication in the Official Gazette.   Related content: Work Permit in Türkiye – Updated Guide  

Work Permit Application: Legal Ways for Foreigners to Work in Turkey Turkey, with its dynamic economy and strategic location, is becoming an attractive work hub for talented individuals from all over the world. To work legally in Turkey, foreigners must follow specific procedures and obtain a work permit. In this article, we will generally cover the work permit application processes for foreigners in Turkey, the requirements, and points to consider. Why Is a Work Permit Important for Foreigners in Turkey? It’s mandatory for every foreign national who wants to work legally in Turkey to obtain a work permit. Working without a work permit can lead to serious legal consequences for both the foreign employee and the employer. This can include administrative fines and deportation decisions. Therefore, acting in accordance with the procedures and maintaining legal status is of great importance. What Are the Types of Work Permits? Work permits granted to foreigners in Turkey may vary depending on their working arrangements and duration of stay. The main types of work permits commonly encountered are: Temporary Work Permit: Usually granted for a period not exceeding one year, allowing work in a specific workplace or profession. Indefinite Work Permit: Can be granted to foreigners who have legally resided in Turkey for a long time and meet certain conditions. Independent Work Permit: Intended for foreigners who wish to work on their own behalf and account. Exceptional Work Permit: An permit applied for certain special circumstances or for qualified foreigners. Each permit has its own specific application conditions and required documents. How to Apply for a Work Permit? General Process Work permit applications are generally made to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security if you are in Turkey, or to the relevant Turkish representative offices if applying from abroad. The application process usually includes the following steps: Preliminary Application: If in Turkey, a preliminary application is made via e-Devlet; if applying from abroad, through consulates. Submission of Required Documents: Preparing all necessary and accurate documents requested from both the employer and the foreigner, which vary according to the type of work permit applied for. Application Approval and Payment of Fees: Payment of determined fees and other charges upon positive outcome of the application. The most crucial point to consider during the application process is that the documents are complete and up-to-date, and that the process is carried out through legal and proper channels. Essential Documents Required for Work Permit Application While the documents requested for a work permit application vary depending on the type of application and the foreigner’s situation, generally the following documents are required: Passport or document replacing a passport Residence permit (for applications made from within Turkey) Biometric photograph Employment contract Employer’s documents (tax certificate, trade registry gazette, etc.) Educational and vocational qualification documents (diploma, certificate, etc.) In addition to these, supplementary documents may be requested depending on the nature of the application. Sworn translation of documents and notary approval are also important parts of the process. Work Permit Extension Application Foreigners who wish to extend their legal stay before their current work permit expires must apply for a work permit extension. This application should generally be made starting from 60 days before the expiry of the temporary work permit and at the latest by the permit’s expiration date. The extension application is carried out similarly to the initial application, by completing the necessary documents and adhering to legal procedures. Work Permit Refusal and Appeal Process Work permit applications may be refused in some cases. Reasons for refusal can be based on various factors such as missing documents, false declaration, public order, or general health. In case of a work permit application refusal, the relevant foreigner or employer can object to the decision or file an annulment lawsuit in the administrative courts within the legal periods from the date of notification. These processes are steps that require legal knowledge and careful attention. In Summary For foreigners to work legally in Turkey, a work permit is a vital requirement. The complexity of the process highlights the importance of accessing accurate information and preparing documents completely. Obtaining up-to-date and correct information regarding work permit applications, extensions, or refusal situations is of great importance to prevent potential legal problems. Acting in accordance with the laws is fundamental to protecting the rights and obligations of both foreign employees and the institutions that employ them. To obtain accurate information regarding the necessary legal requirements, application procedures, and potential legal risks, and to manage the processes flawlessly, it is advisable to seek support from a professional specialized in foreigners’ law.